OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS

The value of developing outdoor learning environments has been widely recognized by many Indiana schools.  These outdoor classrooms aid schools in their curriculum and help students stay interested in learning.  Subjects such as math, science, social studies and art all come alive using nature as a learning lab.  This hands-on approach leaves a lasting impact on the students.  In addition, it helps build a foundation for respect of our environment.

Outdoor classrooms can range from small garden plots to the entire school grounds.  Some examples of what your area could contain include an animal tracking plot, an archaeological dig site, bird feeders, a compost pile, a butterfly garden, marsh, pond, prairie plot, soil studies, trails, tree plantation, and many others.                                                   

Following are some helpful hints to get you started*:

• Form a committee composed of teachers, administration, buildings and grounds personnel, community members, students, PTA members and any others showing an interest.  A broad base of support and expertise is critical to success.
  
  
• All outdoor labs should be developed with forethought as to exactly how they will be used.  Thought must be given to how activities in the proposed outdoor classroom will fit into the existing curriculum.  Remember, outdoor classrooms can be used for many subjects, not just science.
  
  
• Costs must be considered, but should not be a deterrent to developing what the staff wants and will use.  Normally what funding, materials and labor the school cannot afford, can be raised through donations from local individuals and organizations.
  
  
• Maintenance of the outdoor classroom must be considered.  Labs should be developed to reduce the amount of maintenance needed as much as possible.  However, there will always be plenty of work to do and this should be considered part of the learning experience.

* Information taken from "Guidelines and Features for Outdoor Classrooms" by the Division of Forestry.

 

For more information

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry has developed a publication called "Guidelines and Features for Outdoor Classrooms".  It contains a host of information and ideas on how to begin your outdoor classroom.  It also contains information on where to go for additional help.  Contact Sam Carman at the Division of Forestry at (317) 232-4105 to obtain a copy of this publication.

 

An Example

Here are some pictures from the Needham/Webb Nature Center in Franklin, Indiana.  These schools developed a joining outdoor classroom which contains wooded areas and trails, a fire pit, an alphabet garden, a butterfly garden, an herb garden, an archeological site, and a rock study area.

 
A wooded path                                        A butterfly garden

 

 

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